A “disaster” doesn’t necessarily mean just a huge event—you should be prepared for events that you may not normally think about when you hear this word, such as power outages, ice storms, tornadoes, fires, and other natural or man-made emergency situations.
Remember to never leave your pets behind in an emergency situation, even if you think it’ll only be for a short time. Things can change quickly in a disaster and you want your pets with you at all times in case something unexpected happens.
Your pet disaster kit should include:
1. At least one week’s supply of food and water for each pet, including separate bowls for food and water. Rotate the food and water every few months to ensure their freshness. If your pet eats canned food, be sure to include a can-opener if you don’t use pop-top cans.
2. A collar, identification tag, and leash for each pet. Also, make sure each of your pets is micro-chipped--it’s an extra precaution to prove that your pet belongs to you if you become separated or if your pet’s collar or tag comes off. (It’s a good idea to have you pets micro-chipped and wear collars with tags on a regular basis in case they get lost.)
3. A carrier or crate for each pet. Try to get your pets comfortable with their carriers and crates so that getting them out of the house quickly, if necessary, doesn’t become a problem in a hectic situation. Include a blanket or bedding in each crate for comfort and warmth, as well.
4. Medications and treatments (if applicable), a pet first aid kit, and medical records/documentation in a waterproof container. Keep copies of updated medical records, including rabies certificates, to prove that your animal is up-to-date and to prove that it’s taking any medications that may need to be refilled. If you need to stay in a pet-friendly temporary shelter, you will need likely to prove that your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations. This documentation can also be proof of ownership.
5. Photos of your pets and photos of you with your pets. If you get separated from your pets, you should be able to prove not only that it’s the same animal in your photo but that you are indeed the owner. Also, be sure the photo of each pet shows the entire animal and any unique features that will help identify an animal, especially those that can easily be confused (like a black cat or yellow lab). Including more than one photo with your records is a good idea, and be sure to update photos if your pet is very young.
6. Toys, blankets, and treats. Your pet will want comfort items in a disaster just as we would want them.
7. Litter, litter pan, and scoop for cats or pee pads for dogs (and other animals, according to their potty styles).
8. Paper towels, plastic bags, trash bags, and cleaning supplies.
9. Include basic grooming supplies, particularly if you have a pet with high-maintenance grooming needs.
10. Include a muzzle for animals that might be prone to fear-biting or that aren’t well-socialized with people or other pets, as a precaution.
11. Emergency contact information. Include emergency contacts who live in different cities and regions as well as your veterinarian’s information.
12. Post a rescue alert decal on your home’s window or door with your contact information and number of pets inside. If something happens when you’re not home, such as a fire or flood, local authorities will know to save your animals. (Most pet stores or animal welfare organizations offer these decals for purchase or for free.)
13. One final note: don’t store loose supplies in a crate or carrier that will be used to quickly evacuate your pet. You should be able to carry the supplies and your secure pet separately without much trouble in an emergency situation.
This might sound like a lot with the added explanations, but these disaster kit materials can easily be stored in an old backpack or duffel bag that you can keep along with you human disaster supplies. Make this a fun process, and get your whole family involved! Your pets might even follow you around and “help” with the process!
*Check out the resources section for links to checklists and more information about preparing your pet for a potential disaster.
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